Continuing with the Ethics, Morals & Spirituality series – I was asked to continue the last talk “Is God Dead?”

I attempt to specifically address the last two questions from last week – “Does God really exist and how can we know that?” and “If God does exist, can we know who He (or She) is or must He/She remain a mystery?”

I also addressed three other questions that were raised:

  1. Why does a benevolent God allow evil or apparent injustice to exist?
  2. Why did a perfect God create flawed beings?
  3. Why are humans allowed to make wrong choices?

In answering these questions I used a few quotes from ancient yogic texts and are presenting them here for your consideration:
“Just try to learn the truth by approaching a spiritual master. Inquire from him submissively and render service unto him. The self-realized soul can impart knowledge unto you because he has seen the truth.” Bhagavad-gita 4.34

“I offer my respectful obeisances unto my spiritual master, who has opened my eyes, which were blinded by the darkness of ignorance, with the torchlight of knowledge.”

“By manipulating a fire-generating stick, great saints and sages can bring forth the fire lying dormant within wood. In the same way, O Lord, those expert in understanding the Absolute Truth try to see You in everything—even in their own bodies. Yet you remain concealed. You are not to be understood by indirect processes involving mental or physical activities. Because You are self-manifested, only when You see that a person is wholeheartedly engaged in searching for You do You reveal Yourself. Therefore I offer my respectful obeisances unto You.” Bhagavat Purana 5.18.36

“But although You reside within the heart, You are very far away from those whose minds are disturbed by their entanglement in material work. Indeed, no one can grasp You by his material powers, for You reveal Yourself only in the hearts of those who have learned to appreciate Your transcendental qualities.” Bhagavat Purana 10.86.47

“You reveal Yourself within the hearts of those persons of pure consciousness who constantly hear about You, chant about You, offer You worshipful service, glorify You and converse with one another about You.” Bhagavat Purana 10.86.46